Roscommon and Longford friends raise funds for MND as 32, 32, 32 Challenge rolls into Newtowncashel

A group of five friends, Brian Kelly, Eoghan Diffley, Emmet Burke, Ciaran McManus, and Conor Murphy, recently completed the 32, 32, 32 Challenge where they kicked points in all 32 counties of Ireland, visiting a different club pitch in each county.

The group of young men, including four members from the St Barry's GAA club in Roscommon (Eoghan, Emmet, Ciaran, and Conor), along with Brian Kelly from the Cashel club in Longford, decided to take on a challenge to support Conor's mother, Nicola.

The quintet completed the Longford leg of the challenge in Newtowncashel on Brian’s home GAA ground, Páirc Chiaráin (Cashel GFC), where they received great support and donations were made to the fund by the local club and SuperValu Lanesboro.

Nicola has recently received a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), and the five young men are determined to raise funds for her cause.

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Conor explained, “From my own perspective Motor Neurone is a horrible disease but it’s only a disease you realise the implications of when it’s on your own doorstep. Mam is the positive one in our house and that’s what keeps us all going from day to day, her unyielding love and support for her family amazes me every day and now I want to do something for her.”

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Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the nerves in the brain and spinal cord which means messages gradually stop reaching the muscles which leads to weakness and wasting. MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat and breathe. Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive disease for which there is no remission.

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A gofundme page '32,32,32 Challenge' was set up to coincide with the challenge and it has raised €20,242. A percentage of all funds raised will go to a charity of Nicola’s choice.

Also read: Mam's 'unyielding love and support amazes me every day': Roscommon and Longford quintet embark on MND fundraiser

CAPTION: Anne, Kathy, Brian, Paddy Kelly, Bridie Nolan and Nicola Brennan Murphy at Páirc Chiaráin (Cashel GAA) for the 32, 32, 32 Challenge Picture: Declan Gilmore

CAPTION: Super Valu Lanesboro presented a cheque for €500 to Brian Kelly, from the Cashel GAA club, who took part in the 32, 32, 32 Challenge. Pictured l to r Emmet Burke, Sam Carberry, Frank Burke, Agnes McDermott, Brian Kelly, Alice Geoghegan, Conor Murphy and Eoin Murray Picture: Declan Gilmore

CAPTION: Declan Murtagh presented a cheque to Brian Kelly on behalf of Cashel GAA as the 32, 32, 32 Challenge participants completed their Longford leg of the challenge in Páirc Chiaráin (Cashel GFC). Pictured l to r; Conor Murphy, Eoghan Diffley, Brian Kelly, Declan Murtagh, Emily Farrell, Emmet Burke and Ciaran McManus Picture: Declan Gilmore